Systems and methods for managing distributed sales, service and repair operations

ABSTRACT

The systems and methods of the present disclosure are generally related to managing distributed sales, service and repair operations. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to managing a distributed network of sales, service and/or repair operations that include automated features.

RELATED DISCLOSURES

The present disclosure is related to commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.6,898,435, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070192172 and U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 20070267859, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods of the present disclosure are generally relatedto managing distributed sales, service and repair operations. Inparticular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure relate tomanaging a distributed network of sales, service and/or repairoperations that include automated features.

BACKGROUND

In the past, devices, such as computers, printers, mobile telephones,appliances and the like, were purchased from a “bricks and mortar”retail store. When a device is purchased from a retail store, the buyertypically relies on the retail store to provide service and/or repairfor the device.

More recently, retail stores are being displaced by on-line andtelephone sales of devices. As a result of on-line and telephone salesof devices, in-store service and repair is often unavailable.

Thus, systems and methods are needed for managing distributed sales,service and repair operations. Furthermore, systems and methods areneeded for providing on-site sales, service and repair of devices.Moreover, systems and methods are needed for providing remote sales,service and repair of devices that are geographically distributed.

SUMMARY

A computer implement method is provided for establishing a clientaccount with a provider. The method may include receiving, at aprocessor of a computer system, client personal data, wherein the clientpersonal data is representative of client personal information. Themethod may further include receiving, at a processor of a computersystem, client device data, wherein the client device data isrepresentative of a unique identifier of a particular client device. Themethod may also include generating, using a processor of the computersystem, client subscription data, wherein the client subscription datais based, at least in part, on the client device data. The method mayyet further include generating, using a processor of the computersystem, client account data, wherein the client account data is based,at least in part, on the client personal data and the clientsubscription data.

In one embodiment, a computer system for generating and storing clientaccount data is provided. The computer system may include a clientpersonal data receiving module, stored on a memory of a central computersystem, that, when executed by a processor of the central computersystem, causes the processor of the central computer system to receiveclient personal data, wherein the client personal data is representativeof client personal information. The computer system may further includea client device data receiving module, stored on the memory of thecentral computer system, that, when executed by the processor of thecentral computer system, causes the processor of the central computersystem to receive client device data, wherein the client device data isrepresentative of a unique identifier of a particular client device. Thecomputer system may also include a client subscription data generationmodule, stored on the memory of the central computer system, that, whenexecuted by the processor of the central computer system, causes theprocessor of the central computer system to generate client subscriptiondata, wherein the client subscription data is based, at least in part,on the client device data. The computer system may yet further include aclient account data generation module, stored on the memory of thecentral computer system, that, when executed by the processor of thecentral computer system, causes the processor of the central computersystem to generate client account data, wherein the client account datais based, at least in part, on the client personal data and the clientsubscription data. The computer system may also include a client accountdata storage module, stored on the memory of the central computersystem, that, when executed by the processor of the central computersystem, causes the processor of the remote computer system to store theclient account data in a client database.

In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable-medium storinginstructions is provided that, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to establish a remote service session between a remotecomputer system and a client computer. The non-transitory computerreadable-medium may include a client personal data receiving modulethat, when executed by a processor of the central computer system,causes the processor of the central computer system to receive clientpersonal data, wherein the client personal data is representative ofclient personal information. The non-transitory computer readable-mediummay further include a client device data receiving module that, whenexecuted by the processor of the central computer system, causes theprocessor of the central computer system to receive client device data,wherein the client device data is representative of a unique identifierof a particular client device. The non-transitory computerreadable-medium may also include a client subscription data generationmodule that, when executed by the processor of the central computersystem, causes the processor of the central computer system to generateclient subscription data, wherein the client subscription data is based,at least in part, on the client device data. The non-transitory computerreadable-medium may yet further include a client account data generationmodule that, when executed by the processor of the central computersystem, causes the processor of the central computer system to generateclient account data, wherein the client account data is based, at leastin part, on the client personal data and the client subscription data.The non-transitory computer readable-medium may also include a clientaccount data storage module that, when executed by the processor of thecentral computer system, causes the processor of the remote computersystem to store the client account data in a client database.

In a further embodiment, a computer implement method is provided toreboot a client device in a normal operating mode when the client deviceis currently operating in a safe operating mode and to reboot the clientdevice to a safe operating mode when the client device is currentlyoperating in a normal operating mode. The method may include receiving,at a processor, client device operating mode data, wherein the clientdevice operating mode data is indicative of a current operating mode ofthe client device. The method may further include determining, using aprocessor, whether the client device is currently operating in a safeoperating mode or a normal operating mode based on the client deviceoperating mode data. The method may also include generating, using aprocessor, a mode icon on a display device, wherein the mode iconindicates whether the client device is determined to be currentlyoperating in safe operating mode or normal operating mode. The methodmay yet further include activating, using a user interface device, themode icon, wherein activating the mode icon causes the client device toreboot to safe mode when the client device is determined to be currentlyoperating in normal operating mode and wherein activating the mode iconcauses the client device to reboot to normal operating mode when theclient device is determined to be currently operating in safe operatingmode.

In yet another embodiment, a computer system to reboot a client devicein a normal operating mode when the client device is currently operatingin a safe operating mode and to reboot a client device in a safeoperating mode when the client device is currently operating in a normaloperating mode is provided. The computer system may include a clientdevice operating mode determination module, stored on a memory, that,when executed by a processor, causes the processor to determine, basedon client device operating mode data, whether the client computer iscurrently operating in a safe operating mode or a normal operating mode.The computer system may further include a client device mode iconmodule, stored on a memory, that, when executed by a processor, causesthe processor to generate, based on the operating mode data, anoperating mode icon on a display device, wherein the mode icon indicateswhether the client device is determined to be currently operating insafe operating mode or normal operating mode. The computer system mayalso include a client device mode icon activation module, stored on amemory, that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor toreceive user interface data, wherein the user interface data isindicative of a user selecting the operating mode icon. The computersystem may yet further include a mode reboot module, stored in a memory,that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to, in responseto receiving the user interface data, reboot the client device to thesafe operating mode when the client device is determined to currently beoperating in the normal operating mode or causes the processor to rebootthe client device to the normal operating mode when the client device isdetermined to currently be operating in the safe operating mode.

In yet a further embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon is provided that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to reboot a client device to a normaloperating mode from a safe operating mode and to reboot the clientdevice to a safe operating mode from a normal operating mode. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may include a client deviceoperating mode determination module that, when executed by a processor,causes the processor to determine, based on client device operating modedata, whether the client computer is currently operating in a safeoperating mode or a normal operating mode. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may further include a client device mode iconmodule that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor togenerate, based on the operating mode data, an operating mode icon on adisplay device, wherein the mode icon indicates whether the clientdevice is determined to be currently operating in safe operating mode ornormal operating mode. The non-transitory computer-readable medium mayalso include a client device mode icon activation module that, whenexecuted by a processor, causes the processor to receive user interfacedata, wherein the user interface data is indicative of a user selectingthe operating mode icon. The non-transitory computer-readable medium mayyet further include a mode reboot module that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to, in response to receiving the userinterface data, reboot the client device to the safe operating mode whenthe client device is determined to currently be operating in the normaloperating mode or causes the processor to reboot the client device tothe normal operating mode when the client device is determined tocurrently be operating in the safe operating mode.

In even another embodiment, a computer implement method is provided toestablish a remote service session between a client device and a remotecomputer system. The method may include storing, in a memory of theclient device, a remote service session establishment module that, whenexecuted by a processor, causes the processor to initiate a remoteservice session request between the client device and the remotecomputer. The method may further include activating, via a userinterface associated with the client device, the remote service sessionestablishment module. The method may also include retrieving, at aprocessor of a computer device, a unique identification of the clientdevice. The method may yet further include determining, using aprocessor of a computer device, whether the unique identification of theclient device matches an entry stored in a memory. The method may evenfurther include establishing a remote service session between the remotecomputer system and the client device only when the uniqueidentification of the client device is determined to match the entrystored in the memory. The method may even yet further includedetermining a client account associated with the client device when aremote service session is established.

In even a further embodiment, a computer system is provided that mayfacilitate a remote service session between a client device and a remotecomputer. The computer system may include a remote service sessioninitiation module stored on a memory of the client device that, whenexecuted by a processor of the client device, causes the processor toinitiate a remote service session request between the client device andthe remote computer. The computer system may further include a clientdevice identification module stored on a memory that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to retrieve a unique identification ofthe client device when the remote service session initiation module isexecuted. The computer system may also include a client deviceverification module stored on a memory that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to determine whether the uniqueidentification of the client device matches an entry stored in a memory.The computer system may even further include a remote service sessionestablishment module stored on a memory that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to establish a remote service sessionbetween the remote computer system and the client device only when theunique identification of the client device is determined to match theentry stored in the memory.

In even yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readablemedium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to facilitate a remoteservice session between a client device and a remote computer. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may include a remote servicesession initiation module that, when executed by a processor of theclient device, causes the processor to initiate a remote service sessionrequest between the client device and the remote computer. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may further include a clientdevice identification module that, when executed by a processor, causesthe processor to retrieve a unique identification of the client devicewhen the remote service session initiation module is executed. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may also include a client deviceverification module that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to determine whether the unique identification of the clientdevice matches an entry stored in a memory. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may yet further include a remote servicesession establishment module that, when executed by a processor, causesthe processor to establish a remote service session between the remotecomputer system and the client device only when the uniqueidentification of the client device is determined to match the entrystored in the memory.

In another embodiment, a computer implement method for a technician toremotely service a client device is provided. The method may includestoring, in a memory of the client device, a remote service module that,when executed by a processor of the client device, causes the processorof the client device to transmit client service request data to a remotecomputer device, wherein the client service request data isrepresentative of a client request for service. The method may furtherinclude transmitting, using the processor of the client device, theclient service request data, from the client device to a remotecomputing device, in response to a client activating a user interfaceconnected to the client device. The method may also include receiving,at a processor of a remote computing device, the client service requestdata. The method may yet further include generating, user the processorof the remote computing device, a display of user interface on a displaydevice of the remote computing device, wherein the user interfaceincludes a customer selection feature. The method may further includereceiving, at the processor of the remote computing device, clientselection data, wherein the client selection data is indicative of atechnician selecting the customer selection feature of the userinterface. The method may also include transmitting, using the processorof the remote computing device, client selection data, from the remotecomputing device to the client device, wherein the client selection datais indicative of the technician selecting the customer selectionfeature. The method may yet further include receiving, at the processorof the remote computing device, client acknowledgment data in responseto a client acknowledging that the technician has selected the customerselection feature, where in the client acknowledgment data is indicativeof approval by the client to allow the technician to remotely servicethe client device.

In yet another embodiment, a computer system for a technician toremotely service a client device is provided. The computer system mayinclude a remote service module, stored on a memory, that, when executedby a processor, causes the processor to communicate client servicerequest data, wherein the client service request data is representativeof a client request for service. The computer system may further includea client service request user interface generation module, stored on amemory, that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor togenerate a display of user interface on a display device of the remotecomputing device, wherein the user interface includes a customerselection feature. The computer system may yet further include a clientselection module, stored on a memory, that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to client selection data, wherein theclient selection data is indicative of a technician selecting thecustomer selection feature. The computer system may also include furtherexecution of the remote service module initiates remote service of theclient device by a technician.

In yet a further embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor,cause the processor to facilitate a remote service session for atechnician to remotely service a client device is provided. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may include a remote servicemodule that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor tocommunicate client service request data, wherein the client servicerequest data is representative of a client request for service. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may further include a clientservice request user interface generation module that, when executed bya processor, causes the processor to generate a display of userinterface on a display device of the remote computing device, whereinthe user interface includes a customer selection feature. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may yet further include a clientselection module that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to client selection data, wherein the client selection data isindicative of a technician selecting the customer selection feature. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may also include furtherexecution of the remote service module initiates remote service of theclient device by a technician.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures described below depict various aspects of the systems andmethods disclosed herein. It should be understood that each figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systemsand methods, and that each of the figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingfigures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals.

FIG. 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of an example computer systemfor managing distributed sales, service and repair operations;

FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for remotelyestablishing a dialog between a provider and a client;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for remotelyauthenticating an identity of a client device;

FIG. 4 depicts an example user interface for initiating a dialog betweena provider and a client;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict example user interfaces for establishing a clientaccount with a provider;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict example user interfaces associated withestablishing a remote communication connection between a provider and aclient;

FIGS. 7-13 depict various example user interfaces associated withinstallation of an application on a client device;

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict example user interfaces associated withregistering an application;

FIGS. 15A-15F depict example user interfaces associated with the remoteclient device identity authentication method of FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 depicts an example dialog interface for communication between aprovider and a client;

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict example status displays related to a clientaccount;

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict example user interfaces for establishing adialog between a provider and a client;

FIG. 19 depicts an example user login interface;

FIGS. 20-22 depict various example user interfaces related to clientsthat have initiated a request for provider assistance;

FIGS. 23A-23G and 24-27 depict various example user interfaces relatedto documenting a provider dialog with a client;

FIGS. 28-31 depict various example utilities user interfaces; and

FIGS. 32A-32E and 33 depict various example security suite userinterfaces.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are provided for managing supply, service and repairoperations. For example, an individual (i.e., a client) may own a device(e.g., a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) and may seek supplies, services and/or repairsrelated to the device. Generally, the systems and methods of the presentdisclosure may enable a client to initiate an inquiry with a providerfor supplies, services and/or repair of a client device; enable theclient to establish an account with the provider; facilitate automaticassociation of a client device, or devices, with an account; facilitateautomatic authentication of a client device associated with an account;facilitate provider supply, service and/or repair of the client device;facilitate documentation of activity related to an account; and/orfacilitate invoicing for supplies, services and/or repairs.

As a specific example of an implementation of the systems and methods ofthe present disclosure, an individual (i.e., client) may own a computerthat is not operating properly. The client may connect to the internetand navigate to a provider site. The client may initiate a request forassistance by simply clicking on an icon displayed within a userinterface (i.e., webpage) associated with the provider site. In responseto the client clicking on the icon, a provider computer mayautomatically establish a remote connection with the client computer.Alternatively, a provider computer may automatically generate a displayon a display device of the client computer asking whether the clientwishes to establish a connection with a provider computer. In any event,the provider computer may automatically generate a display of a userinterface on the display device of the client computer that allows theclient to establish an account (e.g., a credit card transaction) withthe provider. In response to the client establishing an account, theprovider computer may automatically uniquely identify the clientcomputer and associate the unique client computer with the account. Inresponse to uniquely identifying the client computer, the providercomputer may automatically correct operation of the client computer.

Alternatively, the provider computer may automatically invoke atechnician to correct operation of the client computer. The technicianmay either remotely correct operation of the client computer or maycorrect operation of the client computer at the client site.

Turning to FIG. 1, a high-level block diagram of an example computersystem 100 for managing distributed sales, service and repair operationsis depicted. The computer system 100 may include a central operationscenter 105 and a client site 130 communicatively couple via acommunications network 175. The computer system 100 may also include atechnician site 145 and a supplier site 160. While, for convenience ofillustration, only a single central operations center 105 is depictedwithin the computer system 100 of FIG. 1, any number of centraloperations centers 105 may be included within the computer system 100.While, for convenience of illustration, only a single customer site 130is depicted within the computer system 100 of FIG. 1, any number ofcustomer sites 130 may be included may be included within the computersystem 100. Indeed, the computer system 100 may accommodate thousands ofcustomer sites 130. While, for convenience of illustration, only asingle technician site 145 is depicted within the computer system 100 ofFIG. 1, any number of technician sites 145 may be included within thecomputer system 100. Any given technician site 145 may be a mobile site.While, for convenience of illustration, only a single supplier site 160is depicted within the computer system 100 of FIG. 1, any number ofsupplier sites 160 may be included within the computer system 100.

The communications network 175, any one of the network adapters 111,118, 125, 137, 152, 167 and any one of the network connections 176, 177,178, 179 may include a hardwired section, a fiber-optic section, acoaxial section, a wireless section, any sub-combination thereof or anycombination thereof, including for example a wireless LAN, MAN or WAN,WiFi, WiMax, the Internet, a Bluetooth connection, or any combinationthereof. Moreover, a central operations center 105, a client site 130, atechnician site 145 and/or a supplier site may be communicativelyconnected via any suitable communication system, such as via anypublicly available or privately owned communication network, includingthose that use wireless communication structures, such as wirelesscommunication networks, including for example, wireless LANs and WANs,satellite and cellular telephone communication systems, etc.

Any given central operations center 105 may include a mainframe, orcentral server, system 106, a server terminal 112, a desktop computer119, a laptop computer 126 and a telephone 127. While the centraloperations center 105 of FIG. 1 is shown to include only one mainframe,or central server, system 106, only one server terminal 112, only onedesktop computer 119, only one laptop computer 126 and only onetelephone 127, any given central operations center 105 may include anynumber of mainframe, or central server, systems 106, server terminals112, desktop terminals 119, laptop computers 126 and telephones 127. Anygiven telephone 127 may be, for example, a land-line connectedtelephone, a computer configured with voice over internet protocol(VOIP), or a mobile telephone (e.g., a smartphone). Any given serverterminal 112 may include a processor 115, a memory 116 having at leaston set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon and associatedwith managing distributed sales, service and repair operations 117, anetwork adapter 118 a display 113 and a keyboard 114. Any given desktopcomputer 119 may include a processor 122, a memory 123 having at leaston set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon and associatedwith managing distributed sales, service and repair operations 124, anetwork adapter 125 a display 120 and a keyboard 121. Any givenmainframe, or central server, system 106 may include a processor 107, amemory 1108 having at least on set of computer-readable instructionsstored thereon and associated with managing distributed sales, serviceand repair operations 109, a network adapter 111 and a customer (orclient) database 110. Any given lap top computer 126 may include aprocessor, a memory having at least on set of computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and associated with managing distributedsales, service and repair operations, a network adapter, a display and akeyboard. Any given telephone 127 may include a processor, a memoryhaving at least on set of computer-readable instructions stored thereonand associated with managing distributed sales, service and repairoperations, a network adapter, a display and a keyboard.

Any given client site 130 may include a desktop computer 131, a lap topcomputer 138, a tablet computer 139 and a telephone 140. While only onedesktop computer 131, only one lap top computer 138, only one tabletcomputer 139 and only one telephone 140 is depicted in FIG. 1, anynumber of desktop computers 131, lap top computers 138, tablet computers139 and/or telephones 140 may be included at any given customer site130. Any given telephone 140 may be a land-line connected telephone or amobile telephone (e.g., smartphone). Any given desktop computer 131 mayinclude a processor 134, a memory 135 having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations 136, a networkadapter 137 a display 132 and a keyboard 133. Any given lap top computer138 may include a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given tablet computer 139 mayinclude a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given telephone 140 may include aprocessor, a memory having at least on set of computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and associated with managing distributedsales, service and repair operations, a network adapter, a display and akeyboard.

Any given technician site 145 may include a desktop computer 146, a laptop computer 153, a tablet computer 154 and a telephone 155. While onlyone desktop computer 146, only one lap top computer 153, only one tabletcomputer 154 and only one telephone 155 is depicted in FIG. 1, anynumber of desktop computers 146, lap top computers 153, tablet computers154 and/or telephones 155 may be included at any given technician site145. Any given telephone 155 may be a land-line connected telephone or amobile telephone (e.g., smartphone). Any given desktop computer 146 mayinclude a processor 149, a memory 150 having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations 151, a networkadapter 152 a display 147 and a keyboard 148. Any given lap top computer153 may include a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given tablet computer 154 mayinclude a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given telephone 155 may include aprocessor, a memory having at least on set of computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and associated with managing distributedsales, service and repair operations, a network adapter, a display and akeyboard.

Any given supplier site 160 may include a desktop computer 161, a laptop computer 168, a tablet computer 169 and a telephone 170. While onlyone desktop computer 161, only one lap top computer 168, only one tabletcomputer 169 and only one telephone 170 is depicted in FIG. 1, anynumber of desktop computers 161, lap top computers 168, tablet computers169 and/or telephones 170 may be included at any given supplier site160. Any given telephone 170 may be a land-line connected telephone or amobile telephone (e.g., smartphone). Any given desktop computer 161 mayinclude a processor 164, a memory 165 having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations 166, a networkadapter 1167 a display 162 and a keyboard 163. Any given lap topcomputer 168 may include a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given tablet computer 169 mayinclude a processor, a memory having at least on set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations, a networkadapter, a display and a keyboard. Any given telephone 170 may include aprocessor, a memory having at least on set of computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and associated with managing distributedsales, service and repair operations, a network adapter, a display and akeyboard.

With reference to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of an example method forremotely establishing a dialog between a provider and a client 200 isdepicted. While the method 200 may be implemented, at least in part, byany one of the processors 107, 115, 122, 134, 149, executing arespective set of computer-readable instructions stored thereon andassociated with managing distributed sales, service and repairoperations 109, 117, 124, 136, 151, the method 200 will be described asbeing implemented by processors 107, 134, executing the respective setof computer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations 109, 136. Theprocessor 134, executing the module 136, may initiate contact between acustomer (e.g., a client site 130) and a service provider (e.g., acentral operations center 105, a technician site 145 and/or a suppliersite 160) in response to a client initiating contact (block 205).Alternatively, a client may initiate contact with a technician, forexample, by using telephone 140 to call either telephone 127 or 155(block 205). The processor 134, executing the module 136, may establisha connection with the processor 107, executing the module 109 (block210).

The processor 107, executing the module 109, may determine whether thecustomer (or client) has an account (block 215). If the processor 107determines that the client has an account (block 215), the processor107, further executing the module 109, may attempt to validate theservice request/customer (or client) account/customer (or client)computer in response to a technician, for example, initiating validation(block 240).

If the processor 107 determines that the client does not have an account(block 215), the processor 107, further executing the module 109, mayestablish an account with a blank subscription in response to theprocessor 134, executing the module 136, sending data representative ofinformation entered by a customer (or client) (e.g., personalinformation, credit card information, etc.) (block 220). The processor107, further executing the module 109, may determine whether thecustomer (or client) agreed to related terms (block 225). If theprocessor 107 determines that the customer (or client) agreed to relatedterms (block 225), the processor 107, further executing the module 109,may install a service module on the customer (or client) computer (block230). The processor 107, further executing the module 109, may identifythe customer computer and use the identification of the customercomputer to populate the blank subscription (block 235). The processor107 may identify the customer computer based on, for example, a customercomputer (or device) mother board model number, a customer computer (ordevice) processor ID, a customer computer (or device) media access code(MAC) address, a customer computer (or device) hard-drive serial number,a customer computer (or device) mother-board serial number, anysub-combination thereof or a combination thereof (block 235).

The processor 107, further executing the module 109, may determinewhether the service request/customer (or client) account/customer (orclient) computer was validated (block 245). If the processor 107determines that the service request/customer (or client)account/customer (or client) computer was validated (block 245), atechnician, for example, may perform service on the client computer(block 250). If the processor 107 determines that the servicerequest/customer (or client) account/customer (or client) computer wasnot validated (block 245), the processor 107 may generate a displayindicating that validation failed (block 255).

If the processor 107 determines that the customer (or client) did notagree to the related terms (block 225), or in any event, the processor107, further executing the module 109, may generate a record of theservice call and the service that was performed, if any (block 260).

Turning to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of an example method for remotelyauthenticating an identity of a client device 300 is depicted. While themethod 300 may be implemented, at least in part, by any one of theprocessors 107, 115, 122, 134, 149, executing a respective set ofcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon and associated withmanaging distributed sales, service and repair operations 109, 117, 124,136, 151, the method 300 will be described as being implemented byprocessors 107, 134, executing the respective set of computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and associated with managing distributedsales, service and repair operations 109, 136. The processor 107,executing the module 109, may generate an encrypted code based, forexample, on a location (e.g., a geographic location or client location),a client account number, a service call number, a sub-combinationthereof or a combination thereof (block 305). The processor 107, furtherexecuting the module 109, may copy and paste the encrypted code into adata entry area in response to a technician, for example, initiating thecopy/paste procedure (block 310). Alternatively, the processor 107 mayautomatically copy/paste the encrypted code (block 310). The processor107, further executing the module 109, may generate a unique clientcomputer (or device) identification based on, for example, a customercomputer (or device) mother board model number, a customer computer (ordevice) processor ID, a customer computer (or device) media access code(MAC) address, a customer computer (or device) hard-drive serial number,a customer computer (or device) mother-board serial number, anysub-combination thereof or a combination thereof (block 315). Theprocessor 107, further executing the module 109, may compare the uniqueclient computer (or device) identification to a client subscription(e.g., client subscription generated in block 235 of FIG. 2) (block320). The processor 107, further executing the module 109, may determinewhether the unique client computer (or device) identification matches aclient subscription (block 325). If the processor 107 determines thatthe unique client computer (or device) identification matches a clientsubscription (block 325), a technician, for example, may perform serviceand/or repair on the client computer (or device) (block 330).Alternatively, or additionally, the processor 107, further executing themodule 109, may automatically perform service and/or repair on theclient computer (or device) (block 330). If the processor 107 determinesthat the unique client computer (or device) identification does notmatch a client subscription (block 325), the processor 107, furtherexecuting the module 109, may generate a display indicating thatvalidation failed (block 335). In any event, the processor 107, furtherexecuting the module 109, may generate a record of the service call andthe service and/or repair that was performed, if any (block 340).

With reference now to FIG. 4, an example user interface for initiating adialog between a provider and a client 400 is depicted. The userinterface 400 may, for example, be used in conjunction with block 205 ofFIG. 2. The user interface 400 may be, for example, associated with aprovider website. The processor 134, executing module 136, may generatea display of user interface 400 on a display (e.g., display 132 ofFIG. 1) of a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.). In anyevent, the user interface 400 may include an icon 405. When a userselects the icon 405 by, for example, using a button on a mouse ortouching a touch-screen display, a second user interface (e.g., userinterface 600 a of FIG. 6A) may be displayed on the client device.Alternatively, a processor (e.g., processor 107 of FIG. 1), executing amodule (e.g., module 109 of FIG. 1) may automatically establish a remoteconnection with a client device in response to a client selecting theicon 405. The user interface 400 may also include a zip-code entry area410 and a “click here for service” icon 415 that may allow a client toinitiate service and/or repair. The processor 107 may generate anotheruser interface (e.g., user interface 500 of FIG. 5) in response to theclient selecting the icon 415. The client may be prompted to join aprovider network (e.g., Rescuecom) 455, enter a zip-code 420, enterpersonal information 425 and select a payment method 430. The userinterface 400 may further include information access icons, such as viewa brochure icon 460, a why use provider (e.g., Rescuecom) icon 440, acustomer service icon 445, a business IT support icon 450, an about usicon 455, a fast icon 470, an anytime 475 icon, an immediate icon 480, aprotect icon 485 and/or an unlimited icon 490. The processor 107 maygenerate a different user interface display on a client device displayin response to a client selecting any one of the information icons445-490.

Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, example user interfaces for establishing aclient account with a provider 500 a, 500 b are depicted. The processor134, executing the module 136, may generate a display of user interface500 a on a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) display(e.g., display 132 of FIG. 1) in response to, for example, a clientselecting icon 415. The user interface 500 a may include an informationicon 502 a that allows a client to view details related to an unlimitedcomputer (or device) support subscription. The user interface 500 a mayalso include an instruction display area 505 a, a client name entryfield 510 a, a client street address entry field 515 a, a clienttelephone number entry field 520 a, a client email entry field 525 a, amarketing email selection check box 530 a, a have a technician call meimmediately check box 535 a, a view brochure icon 540 a and an exit icon545 a.

The processor 134, further executing the module 136, may generate adisplay of user interface 500 b on a client device (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) display (e.g., display 132 of FIG. 1) in responseto, for example, a client entering her personal information within userinterface 500 a. The user interface 500 b may include an informationicon 502 a that allows a client to view details related to an unlimitedcomputer (or device) support subscription. The user interface 500 b mayalso include an instruction display area 505 b, a client name entryfield 510 b, a client street address entry field 515 b, a clienttelephone number entry field 520 b, a client email entry field 525 b, amarketing email selection check box 530 b, a have a technician call meimmediately check box 535 b, an exit icon 545 b, a credit card numberentry field 555 b, a credit card security code entry field 560 b, acredit card expiration month selection menu 565 b and a credit cardexpiration year selection menu 570 b. The user interface 500 b mayinclude a join now icon 575 b that, when selected by a client, causesthe processor 107, executing the module 109, to establish a clientaccount (e.g., block 220 of FIG. 2). The processor 107, executing themodule 109, may automatically transmit any/all information, that isentered by a user, to a remote server (e.g., remote server 106 ofFIG. 1) while a user enters the information in response to the usermerely entering the information within any one of the data entry fields.Alternatively, the processor 107, executing the module 109, mayautomatically transmit any/all information, that is entered by a user,to a remote server (e.g., remote server 106 of FIG. 1) in response tothe user entering the information and exits the field by, for example,clicking on a different field, hitting a tab key, hitting an enter keyor touching a touch screen outside the field.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an example user interface, associatedwith establishing a remote communication connection between a providerand a client, 600 a is depicted along with a message banner 600 b thatindicates when a connection has been established. The processor 134,executing the module 136, may generate a display of user interface 600 aon a display (e.g., display 132 of FIG. 2) of a client device (e.g.,desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139,telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, atelevision, a computer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable televisiondevice, a computer router, a computer network, a home security system, adata storage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, apiece of equipment, etc.) in response to a user selecting an icon (e.g.,icon 405 of FIG. 4 or icon 550 of FIG. 5). The user interface 600 a mayinclude a data entry area 605 a to facilitate client entry of a code.The code may, for example, be provided to the client by a technician.The processor 107, executing the module 109, may establish a remoteconnection between a provider device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptopcomputer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer,a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) in responseto the client entering the code in data entry area 605 a andsubsequently selecting the connect icon 610 a. Alternatively, theprocessor 107, executing the module 109, may automatically establish aremote communication connection between a provider device (e.g., desktopcomputer 146 of FIG. 1) and a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131of FIG. 1) in response to in response to a user selecting an icon (e.g.,icon 405 of FIG. 4 or icon 550 of FIG. 5). In any event, the processor134, executing the module 136, may generate a display of banner 605 b onthe display 132. The message banner 600 b may further include aconnection status icon 615 b and a provider dialog icon 610 b.

Turning to FIGS. 7-13, various example user interfaces associated withinstallation of a distributed sales, service and repair managementmodule on a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) 700, 800,900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 are depicted. The processor 134, executingmodule 136, may, for example, generate a display of any one of the userinterfaces 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 on a display (e.g.,display 132) of a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptopcomputer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer,a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) inconjunction with block 230 of FIG. 2, for example. The user interface700 may include an information area 705 that may indicate computer (ordevice) memory space requirements needed to install the module 136. Theuser interface 700 may further include a back icon 710, a next icon 715,a cancel icon 720, a minimize icon 730, a full-screen icon 735 and/or anexit icon 725. The processor 134 may perform functions that are known inthe art in response to a client selecting any one of the back icon 710,the next icon 715, the cancel icon 720, the minimize icon 730, thefull-screen icon 735 or the exit icon 725.

The user interface 800 may include a notification regarding a modulelicense agreement 805 along with terms of the licensing agreement 810.The user interface 800 may further include a selection area indicativethat a client does not accept the licensing agreement terms 810 and aselection area indicative that the client does accept the licensingagreement terms 815 that may be used in conjunction with block 225 ofFIG. 2. The user interface 800 may further include a back icon 830, anext icon 825, a cancel icon 835 and an exit icon 840. The processor 134may perform functions that are known in the art in response to a clientselecting any one of the back icon 830, the next icon 825, the cancelicon 835 or the exit icon 840.

The user interface 900 may include an information area 905 related tofeatures of the module 136. The user interface 900 may further include aback icon 915, a next icon 910, a cancel icon 920 and an exit icon 925.The processor 134 may perform functions that are known in the art inresponse to a client selecting any one of the back icon 915, the nexticon 910, the cancel icon 920 or the exit icon 925.

The user interface 1000 may include an information area 1005 related tofeatures of the module 136. The user interface 1000 may further includea back icon 1015, a next icon 1010, a cancel icon 1020 and an exit icon1025. The processor 134 may perform functions that are known in the artin response to a client selecting any one of the back icon 1015, thenext icon 1010, the cancel icon 1020 or the exit icon 1025.

The user interface 1100 may include an information area 1105 related tofeatures of the module 136 and a status bar 1110 that may indicate anestimate of the amount of the module 136 that is currently installed onthe client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138,tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, amobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, a DVD player,a cable television device, a computer router, a computer network, a homesecurity system, a data storage device, a stereo system, a theatersystem, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.). The user interface1100 may further include a cancel icon 1115 and an exit icon 1120. Theprocessor 134 may perform functions that are known in the art inresponse to a client selecting any one of the cancel icon 1115 or theexit icon 1120.

The user interface 1200 may include an information area 1205 related tofeatures of the module 136 and a status bar 1210 that may indicate anestimate of the amount of the module 136 that is currently installed onthe client device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138,tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, amobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, a DVD player,a cable television device, a computer router, a computer network, a homesecurity system, a data storage device, a stereo system, a theatersystem, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.). The user interface1200 may further include a cancel icon 1215 and an exit icon 1220. Theprocessor 134 may perform functions that are known in the art inresponse to a client selecting any one of the cancel icon 1215 or theexit icon 1220.

The user interface 1300 may include an information area 1305 related tofeatures of the module 136. The user interface 1300 may further includea back icon 1315, a finish icon 1310, a cancel icon 1320 and an exiticon 1325. The processor 134 may perform functions that are known in theart in response to a client selecting any one of the back icon 1315, thefinish icon 1310, the cancel icon 1320 or the exit icon 1325.

With reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, example user interfaces associatedwith registering an application 1400 a, 1415 b are depicted. Theprocessor 134, executing module 136, may, for example, generate adisplay of either one of the user interfaces 1400 a 1415 b on a display(e.g., display 132) of a client device (e.g., desktop computer 131,laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, acomputer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gamingdevice, a DVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, acomputer network, a home security system, a data storage device, astereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment,etc.) in conjunction with block 230 of FIG. 2. The user interface 1400 amay include an information banner 1405 a, that may include informationrelated to registering the module 136, and a registration icon 1410 a.The processor 134, executing the module 136, may generate a display ofuser interface 1415 b, on a display (e.g., display 132) of a clientdevice (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone,a television, a computer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable televisiondevice, a computer router, a computer network, a home security system, adata storage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, apiece of equipment, etc.), in response to a client selecting the icon1410 a, for example. The user interface 1415 b may further include atech only; service key code menu item 1405 b, a connect to level-3 techmenu item 1416 b, a system information menu item 1417 b, a utilitiesmenu item 1418 b, an exit module menu item 1419 b and a menu icon 1410b.

Turning to FIGS. 15A-15F, example user interfaces, associated with theremote client device identity authentication method of FIG. 3, 1500a-1500 f are depicted. The processor 149, executing module 151, may, forexample, generate a display of any one of the user interfaces 1500a-1500 f on a display (e.g., display 147) of a technician device e.g.,desktop computer 146) in conjunction with the method 300 of FIG. 3. Theuser interface 1500 a may include an information area 1505 a, a customeraccount identification 1535 a, a service call number 1540 a, a location(e.g., geographic location) 1545 a, a reschedule icon 1550 a, an I havefailed icon 1551 a, a sell subscription icon 1555 a, a return to openservice calls icon 1560 a, a need help icon 1565 a, a log out icon 1570a, a click “Copy Key” and Paste it to the customer's computer display1525 a, a did you reach the customer on the phone question selectionmenu 1530 a, validation indication 1520 a, a return to open servicecalls icon 1580 a and an all fields are not complete icon 1575 a. Theprocessor 149 may, for example, copy an encrypted key (e.g., encryptedcode as generated in block 305 of the method of FIG. 3) in conjunctionwith block 310 of the method 300 in response to a technician selecting acopy key icon 1510 a of the user interface 1500 a. The processor 149 maygenerate a display of the user interface 1500 b in response to thetechnician selecting the copy key icon 1510 a. The user interface 1500 bmay include an information area 1505 b, an allow access icon 1510 b, adon't allow access icon 1515 b and an exit icon 1520 b. The processor149 may copy the encrypted key and generate a display of the userinterface 1500 c in response to the technician selecting the allowaccess icon 1510 b. The processor 149 may paste the encrypted key intothe data entry area 1510 c in response to the technician selecting thepaste code icon 1520 c. The user interface 1500 c may also include aninformation area 1505 c, a screen connect icon 1515 c, an exit icon 1525c and a cancel icon 1530 c.

The processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 1500 d,with a “masked” version of the encrypted code depicted within the dataentry area 1510 d, in response to the technician selecting the pastecode icon 1520 c. The user interface 1500 d may include an informationarea 1530 d, a screen connect icon 1515 d, a paste code icon 1520 d, anexit icon 1525 d and a cancel icon 1530 d. Subsequent to copying/pastingthe encrypted code into the data entry area 1510 d, the processor 149may generate a display of the user interface 1500 e in response to thetechnician selecting the validate icon 1515 a and the service call isvalidated via, for example, the method 300 of FIG. 3. As can be seen bycomparing the user interface 1500 a with the user interface 1500 e, thevalidation indication 1520 a (e.g., an “X”) changes to validationindication 1520 e (e.g., a “✓”) once the service call is validated per,for example, the method 300 of FIG. 3.

The user interface 1500 e may include an information area 1505 e, a didyou reach the customer by phone selection menu 1506 e, an are you andthe customer ready to begin working together selection menu 1507 e, anare you now connected to the customer computer (or device) selectionmenu 1508 e, a return to open service calls icon 1580 e, a rescheduleicon 1550 e, an I have failed icon 1551 e and a copy key icon 1510 e.The processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 1500 f inresponse to the technician selecting the start call icon 1576 e. Theuser interface 1500 f may include an information area 1505 f, did youreach the customer by phone selection menu 1520 f, a customer accountidentification 1535 f, a service call number 1540 f, a location (e.g.,geographic location) 1545 f, a reschedule icon 1550 f, an I have failedicon 1551 f, a return to open service calls icon 1560 f, a need helpicon 1565 f, a logout icon 1570 f, a return to open service calls icon1580 f and a send call icon 1575 f.

With reference to FIG. 16, an example dialog user interface forcommunication between a provider and a client 1600 is depicted. Any oneof the processors 107, 115, 122, 134, 149, 164 may generate a display ofthe user interface 1600 on a corresponding display. The user interface1600 may include a message entry area 1605, a message display area 1610,a message send icon 1615, a connection status area 1620 and an exit icon1625.

Turning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, example status displays related to aclient account 1700 a, 1700 b are depicted. Any one of the processors107, 115, 122, 134, 149, 164 may generate a display of either, or both,of the status displays 1700 a, 1700 b on a corresponding display deviceper, for example, block 255 of the method 200 of FIG. 2 or block 335 ofthe method 300 of FIG. 3. The status display 1700 a may include aninformation area 1705 a, a repair icon 1710 a, a status icon 1715 a, aninformation icon 1720 a and an exit icon 1725 a. The status display 1700b may include an information area 1705 b, a repair icon 1710 b, a statusicon 1715 b and an exit icon 1725 b.

With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, example user interfaces forestablishing a dialog between a provider and a client 1800 a, 1800 b.Processor 107 may generate a display of the user interface 1805 a inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a client) selecting theinitiation icon 1810 a. Processor 107 may generate a display of the userinterface 1800 b in response to, for example, a user (e.g., client)selecting the open service call icon 1815 a. The user interface 1805 amay further include a connect to level-3 technician icon 1816 a, asystem information icon 1817 a a utilities icon 1818 a and an exit icon1819 a. The user interface 1800 b may include an information banner 1805b, a what problem would you like this service call to resolve display1810 b, a service desired entry area 1815 b, a click button for servicedisplay 1825 b, a place service call icon 1820 b, an exit icon 1830 band a cancel icon 1835 b.

Turning to FIG. 19, an example user (e.g., technician) login interface1900 is depicted. Processor 149, executing the module 151, may generatea display of the user interface 1900 on, for example, a display 147. Theuser interface 1900 may include an information area 1905, a user nameentry area 1910, a password entry area 1920 and a logon icon 1925.

With reference to FIGS. 20-22, various example user interfaces relatedto clients that have initiated a request for provider assistance 2000,2100 a, 2100 b, 2200 are depicted. The processor 149, executing themodule 151, may generate a display of the user interface 2000 inresponse to a user (e.g., technician) selecting, for example, the logonicon 1925 of the user interface 1900. Subsequent to generating thedisplay of the user interface 2000, the processor 149, further executingthe module 151, may automatically generate a display of the userinterface 2100 a in response to the processor 149 retrieving customerdata from, for example, the customer database 110 of FIG. 1. The userinterface 2000 may include a general information area 2005, a customerinformation area 2005, a refresh icon 2010, a select customer icon 2015,a need help icon 2020 and a logout icon 2025. The user interface 2100 amay include a plurality of customer selection boxes 2110 a associatedwith clients that have initiated a desire to obtain service, a servicecall scheduled header 2115 a, a customer header 2120 a, a geographiclocation (or franchise) header 2125 a, a service call number header 2130a, a status header 2135 a, a client accept icon 2137 a, a refresh icon2140 a, a select customer icon 2145 a, a need help icon 2150 a and alogout icon 2155 a.

Processor 149, further executing the module 151, may generate a displayof the user interface 2100 b in response to, for example, a user (e.g.,technician) selecting one of the customer selection boxes 2110 a andsubsequently selecting the select customer icon 2145 a. The userinterface 2100 b may include a general client information display area2105 b, a client notes icon 2115 b, a detail client information icon2125 b, a return to open service calls icon 2110 b, a need help icon2130 b, a log out icon 2135 and an accept service call icon 2120 b.

Processor 149, yet further executing the module 151, may generate adisplay of the user interface 2200 in response to, for example, a user(e.g., technician) selecting the accept service call icon 2120 b. Theuser interface 2200 may include a selected customer information displayarea 2205, a description of services performed entry area 2210, awarranty no charge selection menu 2215, a number of hours selection menu2220 and a number of minutes selection menu 2225.

With reference to FIGS. 23A-23H and 24-27, various example userinterfaces related to documenting a provider (e.g., technician) dialogwith a client 2300 a-2300 h, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 are depicted.Processor 149, executing the module 151, may generate a display of userinterface 2300 a in response to, for example, a user (e.g., technician)selecting one of the customer selection boxes 2110 and subsequentlyselecting the select customer icon 2145. The user interface 2300 a mayinclude a selected customer information display area 2305 a, adescription of services performed entry area 2310 a, a customer hassystem disks selection menu 2315 a, a customer has OS license selectionmenu 2316 a, a customer has program license selection menu 2317 a, acustomers say that they have current backup selection menu 2318 a, acheck if backup is good selection menu icon 2319 a, an offer to makebackup selection menu 2320 a, a backup customer's data selection menu2321 a, a warranty no charge selection menu 2322 a, an hour selectionmenu 2323 a, a minute selection menu 2324 a, an estimated service tobill including tax display 2325 a, a go to last page icon 2330 a, an allfields are not complete icon 2335 a, a need help icon 2340 a, a logouticon 2345 a, a send service call to customer service icon 2350 a, anorder/view parts icon 2355 a, a go back to customers list icon 2360 a, areschedule client service call icon 2365 a and an I have failed tocorrect client device problem icon 2370 a.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 b inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting the Ihave failed icon 2370 a. The user interface 2300 b may include an I havefailed display 2350 b, a cannot diagnose problem icon 2351 b, a customerdoes not want to continue icon 2352 b, a customer needs follow up fromdifferent technician icon 2553 b and an exit icon 2355 b.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 c inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting theorder/view parts icon 2355 a. The user interface 2300 c may include anorder/view parts display 2355 c, a view sold parts icon 2356 c, a sellUCSS icon 2357 c and a go back to customers list icon 2360 c.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 d inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., technician) selecting the selecttype of customer selection menu 2365 d, 2550. The select type ofcustomer selection menu 2365 d may include a customer item 2366 d, asmall/mid business item 2367 d, a corporation item 2368 d, anonprofit/Gov't/Ed item 2369 d. The user interface 2300 d may furtherinclude an all fields not complete icon 2335 d.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 e inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting awarranty no charge selection menu 2322 a, 2322 e. The warranty no chargeselection menu 2322 a, 2322 e may include a warranty no charge item 2326e and a warranty with charge billable item 2327 e.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 f inresponse to, for example, a technician selecting a reschedule clientservice call icon 2365. The user interface 2300 f may include aninformation display area 2305 f, a customer information display area2310 f, a call reschedule information display area 2315 f, a reason forreschedule information entry area 2320 f, a reschedule data entry area2325 f, reschedule time selection menus 2330 f, 2335 f, 2340 f, a goback to service call icon 2350 f, an all fields not completed icon 2355f, a need help icon 2360 f and a log out icon 2365 f.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2300 g inresponse to, for example, a technician entering all necessaryinformation within user interface 2300 f. The user interface 2300 g mayinclude an information display area 2305 g, a client information displayarea 2310 g, a you are about to reschedule the following callinformation display area 2315 g, a reason for rescheduling the callinformation entry area 2320 g, a choose different date/time icon 2350 g,a confirm reschedule of service call icon 2355 g, a need help icon 2360g and a log out icon 2365 g.

Processor 149 may generate a display of the user interface 2400 inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting an allfields are not complete icon 2325 a. The user interface 2400 may includea selected customer information area 2405, a send call to customerservice icon 2410, a go back to customers list icon 2415, a service calldetail information area 2420 and a go back to call icon 2425.

Processor 149 may generate a display of user interface 2500 in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., technician) selecting one of the customerselection boxes 2110 and subsequently selecting the select customer icon2145. The user interface 2500 may include an information area 2505, adescription of services performed entry area 2510, a confirm problemresolved entry area 2515, an hours selection menu 2520, a minutesselection menu 2525, a did you sell any parts selection menu 2530, aservice total including tax display 2535, a total due including tax2540, a check if problem not resolved box 2545, a select type ofcustomer selection menu 2550, a customer wants a free newsletterselection menu 2555, a return to open service calls icon 2565 and an allfields are not complete icon 2560.

Processor 149 may generate a display of user interface 2600 in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., technician) selecting an all fields arenot complete icon 2560. The user interface 2600 may include a selectedcustomer information area 2605, an additional notes entry area 2610, aservice dollar amount entry area 2615, an estimation of parts dollaramount entry area 2620, a check here if you did not actual fix everyproblem the customer stated 100% box 2625, a save and invoice call, asend to customer service icon 2630, a view parts icon 2635, a don't saveicon 2640 and a save and invoice call icon 2645.

Processor 149 may generate a display of user interface 2700 in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting a save andinvoice call icon 2645. The user interface 2700 may include an invoicedetail information area 2705, a go back to service call icon 2715 and asubmit invoice icon 2710. Processor 107 may store a record on theservice call within, for example, customer database 110 in response to auser (e.g., a technician) selecting a submit invoice icon 2710.Processor 134 may generate a display of invoice detail information area2705 on a display 132 in response to, for example, a user (e.g., atechnician) selecting a submit invoice icon 2710.

Turning to FIGS. 28-31, various example utilities user interfaces 2800,2900, 3000, 3100 are depicted. Any one of processors 107, 115, 122, 134,149 may generate a display of user interface 2800 in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a central operationscenter staff person) selecting a utilities icon 1818 a. The userinterface 2800 may include an information area 2805, a password entryarea 2810, a connect to level-3 technician icon 2815, an exit icon 2820and a cancel icon 2825.

When an associated device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) is currentlyoperating in normal mode, any one of processors 107, 115, 122, 134, 149may generate a display of user interface 2900 in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a central operationscenter staff person) selecting a utilities icon 1818 a, or in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a centraloperations center staff person) entering a password in the passwordentry area 2810 and selecting enter key on a keyboard (e.g., keyboard114, 121, 133, 148). The user interface 2900 may include an informationarea 2905, a disk defrag icon 2910, a backdoor icon 2911, a restore icon2912, a client info icon 2913, a RISS icon 2914, a virus scan icon 2915,a network sniffer icon 2916, a system configuration icon 2917, aregistry icon 2918, a services icon 2919, a create RISS key icon 2930, atask manager icon 2931, an event viewer icon 2932, a programs icon 2933,an exit icon 2935 and a cancel icon 2940.

When an associated device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) is currentlyoperating in safe mode, any one of processors 107, 115, 122, 134, 149may generate a display of user interface 3100 in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a central operationscenter staff person) selecting a utilities icon 1818 a, or in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a centraloperations center staff person) entering a password in the passwordentry area 2810 and selecting enter key on a keyboard (e.g., keyboard114, 121, 133, 148). The user interface 3100 may include an informationarea 2905, a disk defrag icon 3110, an exit backdoor icon 3111, arestore icon 3112, a client info icon 3113, a RISS icon 3114, a virusscan icon 3115, a network sniffer icon 3116, a system configuration icon3117, a registry icon 3118, a services icon 3119, a create RISS key icon3130, a task manager icon 3131, an event viewer icon 3132, a programsicon 3133, an exit icon 3135 and a cancel icon 3140.

Processor 107, executing module 109, may implement method 3000 of FIG.30 in response to a user (e.g., a client, a technician or a centraloperations center staff person) selecting a backdoor icon 2911, or anexit backdoor icon 3111, depending in which state (e.g., normal mode orsafe mode, respectively) the associated device (e.g., desktop computer131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1,a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computergaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, a computerrouter, a computer network, a home security system, a data storagedevice, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a piece ofequipment, etc.) is currently operating. Generally, the processor 107may switch the associated device from normal mode to safe mode and backto normal mode by selecting a single icon 2911, 3111. As can be seen byviewing FIGS. 29 and 31, processor 107 may change an identification ofthe icon 2911 from “backdoor” to icon 3111 “exit backdoor” and back toicon 2911 “backdoor,” respectively, when the processor 107 implementsthe method 3000. Processor 107 may read an indication of a currentoperating mode of a device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, aprinter, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gaming device, aDVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, a computernetwork, a home security system, a data storage device, a stereo system,a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.), forexample, from a device boot .ini file (block 3005). Optionally, theprocessor 107 may prompt a user (e.g., a client or technician) to entera password (block 3010). The processor 107 may determine in which mode(e.g., normal mode or safe mode) of operation the device (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) is currently operating (block 3015). Alternatively,processor 107, implementing a portion of the method 3000, may reboot thedevice into the mode (e.g., safe mode or normal mode) opposite thecurrent operating mode (e.g., normal mode or safe mode) (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) in response to a user entering a password (e.g.,reboot911) in lieu of requiring a user to select either the backdooricon or the exit backdoor icon. For example, in circumstances where aclient device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138, tabletcomputer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobiletelephone, a television, a computer gaming device, a DVD player, a cabletelevision device, a computer router, a computer network, a homesecurity system, a data storage device, a stereo system, a theatersystem, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) cannot be connected toa remote server (e.g., remote server 116) (i.e., the client device is in“airplane mode”), the processor 107 may reboot the client device intothe mode (e.g., safe mode or normal mode) opposite the current operatingmode (e.g., normal mode or safe mode) (e.g., desktop computer 131,laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, acomputer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computer gamingdevice, a DVD player, a cable television device, a computer router, acomputer network, a home security system, a data storage device, astereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a piece of equipment,etc.) in response to a user entering a password (e.g., reboot911). Theclient device (e.g., desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138, tabletcomputer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobiletelephone, a television, a computer gaming device, a DVD player, a cabletelevision device, a computer router, a computer network, a homesecurity system, a data storage device, a stereo system, a theatersystem, an appliance, a piece of equipment, etc.) may not connect to theremote server (e.g., remote server 116) because, for example, the clientdevice is not connected to the internet, a client device network card isfaulty, a communication error exists between the client device and theremote server, etc.

Processor 107 may execute a disk defrag application in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the diskdefrag icon 2910, 3110. Processor 107 may implement the method 3000 inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician)selecting the backdoor icon 2911 or the exit backdoor icon 3111.Processor 107 may execute a data restoration application in response to,for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting therestore icon 2912, 3112. Processor 107 may execute a securityapplication in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the RISS icon 2914, 3114. Processor 107 mayexecute a virus scan application in response to, for example, a user(e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the virus scan icon 2915,3115. Processor 107 may execute a network sniffer application inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician)selecting the network sniffer icon 2916, 3116. Processor 107 may executea system configuration application in response to, for example, a user(e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the system configuration icon2917, 3117. Processor 107 may execute a registry application in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting theregistry icon 2918, 3118. Processor 107 may execute a servicesapplication in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the services icon 2919, 3119. Processor 107 mayexecute a task manager application in response to, for example, a user(e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the task manager icon 2931,3131. Processor 107 may execute an event viewer application in responseto, for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting theevent viewer icon 2932, 3132. Processor 107 may execute a programsapplication in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the programs icon 2933, 3133. Processor 107 mayexit the utilities user interface 2900, 3100 in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the exit icon2935, 3135.

If the processor 107 determines that the device (e.g., desktop computer131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1,a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computergaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, a computerrouter, a computer network, a home security system, a data storagedevice, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a piece ofequipment, etc.) is currently operating in safe mode (block 3015), theprocessor 107 may set the normal mode icon 3111 to, for example, “exitbackdoor” (block 3020). The processor 107 may activate the normal modeicon 3111 and may edit a boot record of the device (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) to reboot the device in normal mode when a user(e.g., client or technician) selects the normal mode icon 3111 (block3025). A user (e.g., a client or technician) may select the normal modeicon 3111 (block 3030). The processor 107 may reboot the device (e.g.,desktop computer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139 ortelephone 140) to normal mode in response to the user selecting thenormal mode icon 3111 (block 3035).

If the processor 107 determines that the device (e.g., desktop computer131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 of FIG. 1,a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, a computergaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, a computerrouter, a computer network, a home security system, a data storagedevice, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a piece ofequipment, etc.) is currently operating in normal mode (block 3015), theprocessor 107 may set the safe mode icon 2911 to, for example,“backdoor” (block 3040). The processor 107 may activate the safe modeicon 2911 and may edit a boot record of the device (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) to reboot the device in safe mode when a user (e.g.,client or technician) selects the safe mode icon 2911 (block 3025). Auser (e.g., a client or technician) may select the safe mode icon 2911(block 3030). The processor 107 may reboot the device (e.g., desktopcomputer 131, laptop computer 138, tablet computer 139, telephone 140 ofFIG. 1, a computer, a printer, a mobile telephone, a television, acomputer gaming device, a DVD player, a cable television device, acomputer router, a computer network, a home security system, a datastorage device, a stereo system, a theater system, an appliance, a pieceof equipment, etc.) to safe mode in response to the user selecting thesafe mode icon 2911 (block 3035).

With reference to FIGS. 32A-32E and 33, various example security suiteuser interfaces 3200 a-2300 e and 3300 are depicted. Processor 134 maygenerate a display of user interface 3200 a in response to, for example,a user (e.g., a technician) selecting a create RISS key icon 2930, 3130.The user interface 3200 a may include an information area 3205 a having,for example, an instructional information display 3206 a, a create RISSkey icon 3210 a, an exit icon 3215 a and a cancel icon 3220 a.

Processor 134 may generate a display of user interface 3200 b inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting a createRISS key icon 3210 a. The user interface 3200 b may include aninstructional information display 3206 b, a create RISS key icon 3210 b,an exit icon 3215 b, a cancel icon 3220 b and an information area 3205 bhaving, for example, an information display 3207 b. Subsequent to theprocessor 134 generating the display of the user interface 3200 b, theprocessor 134 may automatically retrieve RISS data. The processor 134may automatically generate a display of the user interface 3200 c basedon the retrieved RISS data. The user interface 3200 c may include aninstructional information display 3206 c, a create RISS key icon 3210 c,an exit icon 3215 c, a cancel icon 3220 c and an information area 3205 bhaving, for example, a RISS key data 3208 b display. Subsequent to theprocessor 134 generating the display of the user interface 3200 c, theprocessor 134 may automatically generate a display of the user interface3200 d. The processor 134 may automatically populate the license keyentry area 3225 d with the RISS key data 3208 b. The user interface 3200d may further include an OK icon 3230 d and a cancel icon 3235 d.

Processor 134 may generate a display of the user interface 3200 e inresponse to, for example, a user (e.g., a technician) selecting the OKicon 3230 d. The user interface 3200 e may include a license key displayarea 3225 e, a licensing key data 3208 e display, an apply icon 3240 e,an OK icon 3245 e, a cancel icon 3250 e, a trial icon 3250 e and a buynow icon 3260 e.

Processor 134 may generate a display of the user interface 3300 on adisplay (e.g., display 147) in response to, for example, a user (i.e., atechnician) selecting an apply icon 3240 e and/or an OK icon 3245 e.Alternatively, processor 107 may generate a display of the userinterface 3300 on a display (e.g., display 132) in response to, forexample, a user (i.e., a client) selecting a buy now icon 3260 e. In anyevent, the user interface 3300 may include an information area 3305, afile anti-virus icon 3310, a mail anti-virus icon 3315, an anti-spamicon 3320, a web protection icon 3325, a firewall icon 3330, an endpointsecurity icon 3335, a privacy control icon 3340, a cloud protection icon3345, a help icon 3350, a minimize icon 3355 and an exit icon 3360.Processor 107 may execute a file anti-virus application in response to,for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the fileanti-virus icon 3310. Processor 107 may execute a mail anti-virusapplication in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the mail anti-virus icon 3315. Processor 107 mayexecute an anti-spam application in response to, for example, a user(e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the anti-spam icon 3320.Processor 107 may execute a web protection application in response to,for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the webprotection icon 3325. Processor 107 may execute a firewall applicationin response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or a technician)selecting the firewall icon 3330. Processor 107 may execute an endpointsecurity application in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a clientor a technician) selecting the endpoint security icon 3335. Processor107 may execute a privacy control application in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the privacycontrol icon 3340. Processor 107 may execute a cloud protectionapplication in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the cloud protection icon 3345. Processor 107 mayexecute a help application in response to, for example, a user (e.g., aclient or a technician) selecting the help icon 3350. Processor 107 mayminimize the display of the user interface 3300 in response to, forexample, a user (e.g., a client or a technician) selecting the minimizeicon 3355. Processor 107 may delete the display of the user interface3300 in response to, for example, a user (e.g., a client or atechnician) selecting the exit icon 3360.

This detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and doesnot describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implementnumerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implement method to reboot a clientdevice in a normal operating mode when the client device is currentlyoperating in a safe operating mode and to reboot the client device to asafe operating mode when the client device is currently operating in anormal operating mode, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor,client device operating mode data, wherein the client device operatingmode data is indicative of a current operating mode of the clientdevice; determining, using a processor, whether the client device iscurrently operating in a safe operating mode or a normal operating modebased on the client device operating mode data; generating, using aprocessor, a mode icon on a display device, wherein the mode iconindicates whether the client device is determined to be currentlyoperating in safe operating mode or normal operating mode; activating,using a user interface device, the mode icon, wherein activating themode icon causes the client device to reboot to safe mode when theclient device is determined to be currently operating in normaloperating mode and wherein activating the mode icon causes the clientdevice to reboot to normal operating mode when the client device isdetermined to be currently operating in safe operating mode.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the mode icon is displayed on a displaydevice of the client device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the userinterface device is connected to a computing device that is remote fromthe client device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mode icon isdisplayed on a display device of a computing device located remote fromthe client device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the client deviceoperating data is based on a boot.ini file stored on a memory of theclient device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mode icon includesalphabetical text indicating whether the client device is currentlyoperating in a safe operating mode or a normal operating mode.
 7. Acomputer system to reboot a client device in a normal operating modewhen the client device is currently operating in a safe operating modeand to reboot a client device in a safe operating mode when the clientdevice is currently operating in a normal operating mode, the computersystem comprising: a client device operating mode determination module,stored on a memory, that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to determine, based on client device operating mode data,whether the client computer is currently operating in a safe operatingmode or a normal operating mode; a client device mode icon module,stored on a memory, that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to generate, based on the operating mode data, an operatingmode icon on a display device, wherein the mode icon indicates whetherthe client device is determined to be currently operating in safeoperating mode or normal operating mode; a client device mode iconactivation module, stored on a memory, that, when executed by aprocessor, causes the processor to receive user interface data, whereinthe user interface data is indicative of a user selecting the operatingmode icon; and a mode reboot module, stored in a memory, that, whenexecuted by a processor, causes the processor to, in response toreceiving the user interface data, reboot the client device to the safeoperating mode when the client device is determined to currently beoperating in the normal operating mode or causes the processor to rebootthe client device to the normal operating mode when the client device isdetermined to currently be operating in the safe operating mode.
 8. Thecomputer system of claim 7, wherein the mode icon is displayed on afirst display device of the client device and a second display device ofa remote computer emulates the first mode icon display when a remotesession is established.
 9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein theprocessor activates the mode icon in response to a user selecting themode icon via a user interface device.
 10. The computer system of claim7, wherein determining whether the client computer is currently in safemode or normal mode is performed by a processor of the client deviceexecuting the operating mode determination module stored on a memory ofthe client device.
 11. The computer system of claim 7, furthercomprising: a mode display module, stored on a memory of the clientdevice, that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor todisplay, alphabetical text proximate the mode icon indicative of whetherthe client device is currently operating in the safe operating mode orthe normal operating mode.
 12. The computer system of claim 11, whereinexecution of the mode display module further causes the processor todisplay, on a display device of a remote computer system, an indicationwhether the client device is currently operating in the safe operatingmode or the normal operating mode.
 13. The computer system of claim 7,wherein the client device is communicatively coupled to a remotecomputer via a communication network that includes an internet segment.14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions storedthereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toreboot a client device to a normal operating mode from a safe operatingmode and to reboot the client device to a safe operating mode from anormal operating mode, the non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising: a client device operating mode determination module that,when executed by a processor, causes the processor to determine, basedon client device operating mode data, whether the client computer iscurrently operating in a safe operating mode or a normal operating mode;a client device mode icon module that, when executed by a processor,causes the processor to generate, based on the operating mode data, anoperating mode icon on a display device, wherein the mode icon indicateswhether the client device is determined to be currently operating insafe operating mode or normal operating mode; a client device mode iconactivation module that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to receive user interface data, wherein the user interfacedata is indicative of a user selecting the operating mode icon; and amode reboot module that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to, in response to receiving the user interface data, rebootthe client device to the safe operating mode when the client device isdetermined to currently be operating in the normal operating mode orcauses the processor to reboot the client device to the normal operatingmode when the client device is determined to currently be operating inthe safe operating mode.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumof claim 14, wherein the mode icon is displayed on a first displaydevice of the client device and a second display device of a remotecomputer emulates the first mode icon display when a remote session isestablished.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim15, wherein the processor activates the mode icon in response to a userselecting the mode icon via a user interface device.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein determiningwhether the client device is currently operating in the safe operationmode or the normal operating mode is performed by a processor of theclient device executing the client device operating mode determinationmodule.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14,wherein further executing the client device mode icon module causes theprocessor to display, on a display device of the client device,alphabetical text indicative of whether the client device is currentlyoperating in the safe operating mode or the normal operating mode. 19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein furtherexecution of the client device mode icon module further causes theprocessor to display, on a display device of a remote computer system,alphabetical text indicative of whether the client device is currentlyoperating in the safe operating mode or the normal operating mode. 20.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein acommunication network between the client device and a remote computersystem includes an internet segment.